There are three simple steps for applying for a visa for a short-term visit – for tourism, business, or travel in the United States.  You will find these on our Internet site at http://go.usa.gov/NXD . 

                First, complete the online application form.  This application form asks for your biographic information and details about your planned travel to America.  Please fill in this form (known as the DS-160) as completely as possible—this will help us process your application as efficiently as possible.  When you are done, the computer will generate a barcode that a identifies your application form. 

                Let me offer you a tip – you must have a biometric passport that is good for at least six months after your planned travel to the United States.  We no longer accept the passports with the traditional handwritten page.  Please be sure you allow enough time to replace your passport before your interview!

                Next, schedule an appointment for your interview.  Every applicant must have a personal interview with a consular officer at our Embassy in Yaounde, and the only way to schedule this appointment is online at http://go.usa.gov/NXW .  Because of the potential for fraud, we routinely cancel appointments that are arranged through third parties, such as cyber attendants and travel agents.  Be certain that you use the correct barcode from the application, or we may invalidate your appointment.  Don’t make the mistake of letting someone arrange your appointment—you may find yourself without a rendezvous when you arrive at the Embassy.  It is very important to schedule your interview well before your planned travel, especially in peak travel times such as late summer (back-to-school travelers). 

The final step is the interview itself.  Please report to the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde within 30 minutes of your designated time.  First, we will collect an application fee of 76,000 CFA (the equivalent of US$140) so we can conduct the interview.  During your interview, you will discuss your travel plans with a consular officer who will determine whether you qualify for a visa under American immigration law.  All travelers must show that they are traveling for a purpose permitted under American law and that they intend to depart the United States after a brief stay.  Travelers often have documents that support their plans, but the most important factor here is the interview, where the applicant has a chance to explain the purpose of the trip to America. 

Here’s another tip:  if we are able to issue a visa, we must charge an issuance fee to Cameroonian citizens.  This fee, which is based on the fees that Cameroon charges Americans who visit Cameroon, is 126,000 CFA (equivalent to US$240) for a visa that will allow you to travel to the United States over the next twelve months. 

                Many of our customers have the opportunity for a very special type of visa – the diversity immigrant visa.  Most immigration to the United States is based on family relationships:  relatives already living in America can petition for visas for other relatives to join them.  The diversity visa gives those without U.S-based relatives a chance—at random—to apply for these precious visas to immigrate to the United States.

                This is certainly a wonderful opportunity, but unfortunately we find that we are not able to issue diversity visas to everyone who applies.  I want to close with two considerations for everyone who would invest the time and the money in applying for a diversity visa. 

                Number one:  Applicants register for the diversity visa online at www.dvlottery.state.gov beginning in October of each year. At that time, every applicant must include the name, photograph, and biographic information of their spouse and all children under age 21.  We must apply this rule very strictly:  any applicant who omits relatives when they “play” the lottery will be disqualified, and will not receive a visa.  Please be certain when you register online for the lottery that you have included your family in your entry.  If you did NOT, do not submit an application because it will be disqualified.  

                Number two:  The diversity visa program has strict education and work requirements.  Applicants who are selected to apply must have at least a full high school education–successful baccalaureate or Advanced Level completion–before we can issue an immigrant visa under this program.  Alternatively, they must have at least two years of  recent work experience in a highly skilled occupation, such as an engineer, doctor, teacher, professor or similar jobs.  Under the standards, which are based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s job classifications at www.onnetonline.org , important professions such as nursing and law enforcement do NOT meet the work statement.  Those apply even though they do not meet these very stringent requirements will not receive visas.  I urge everyone who would apply for a diversity visa to consider first whether they will meet these standards and, if they don’t, not to apply for the diversity visa. 

                These are just two quick tips I want to offer; I look forward to sharing additional information, as well as responding to your inquiries.  On behalf of us all at the American Embassy, I wish you a great start to the New Year.